OPEN Optics and Photonics Education News
|
|
Newsletter of the Optics and Photonics College Network |
|
|
Upcoming Events
Back to the Moon: Artemis I Launches Nov. 16, 2022
Instructor Resources for Three Photonics Courses Available on the LASER-TEC Website
Nominate College Students for the SPIE Women in Optics Planner
Learn About Career Search Tools During the December Women in Photonics Technologies Forum
JENOPTIK Optical Systems Awards Two Full Annual Scholarship Programs to IRSC Photonics Students
Jobs for Graduating Students
Featured College: Indian River State College - Fort Pierce, FL
OPCN Member Colleges
|
Upcoming Events
11/29/2022
Orlando, FL
11/30/2022
CCCC Laser Program Advisory Committee Meeting
Lillington, NC
December 2022
IRSC Robotics and Photonics Industry Advisory Board Meeting
Fort Pierce, FL
12/09/2022
Online
01/09/2023 - 01/12/2023
*Free Registration*
Online
01/28/2023 - 02/02/2023
San Francisco, CA
05/15/2023 - 05/18/2023
Cocoa Beach, FL
|
Community College Journal. Amplifying ATE. LASER-TEC creates hands-on Labs for Students to do at Home
|
|
Back to the Moon: Artemis I Launches November 16, 2022 |
Early morning on November 16, 2022, all eyes were on the historic launch of the Space Launch System rocket with the Orion spacecraft on board. Artemis I is the first in a series of missions to build a long-term human presence on the Moon. The primary goals for Artemis I are to demonstrate Orion’s systems in a spaceflight environment and ensure a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery before the first flight with crew on Artemis II.
The mission heavily relies on optics and photonics devices and systems. There are 24 cameras on the rocket and spacecraft – 8 on SLS and 16 on Orion – to document essential mission events, including liftoff, ascent, solar array deployment, external rocket inspections, landing, and recovery, and capture images of Earth and the Moon. Traveling with the Artemis 1 are LunIR, a small satellite that provides mid-IR imaging of the lunar surface, and LunaH-Map, which relies on neutron spectrometers to map hydrogen levels in craters.
The Orion spacecraft on the 2023 crewed Artemis II mission will be equipped with Optical Communications System (O2O) that will employ laser communication technologies. With laser systems onboard, O2O will enable live, 4K ultra-high-definition video from the Moon, enhanced science data transmission, and more.
Learn more about the mission here:
|
Nominate College Students for the SPIE Women in Optics Planner |
Let’s put a spotlight on and nominate our optics photonics college students and graduates in the 2024 Women in Photonics Planner, published every year by the International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Featuring women who pursue a technician track, this planner will demonstrate a wide variety of career paths in optics and photonics and help remove some of the strongest beliefs of perceived exclusion from these exciting fields.
Since 2005, the SPIE Women in Optics planner has celebrated women who impact the world through their work in optics and photonics. Over five thousand copies of the planner are distributed, free of charge, in more than 25 countries worldwide each year. This annual calendar helps inform and inspire young women and people of all backgrounds to see themselves in this growing field.
Each year, the reviewers curate a cohort of 12-25 women to feature in next year's planner. Through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion, the reviewers strive to include a diversity of: occupations, technical specialties, job sectors, represented countries, and career levels.
If you would like to nominate your students or graduates, please follow this link and send a quick message to Natalia.
|
|
Instructor Resources for Three Photonics Courses Available on the LASER-TEC Website |
|
We continue sharing our publicly available educational resources to broaden access to materials and improve the quality of optics and photonics education. This month, we added complete instructor packages for three courses: Introduction to Photonics, Geometrical and Physical Optics, and Fundamentals of Fiber Optics. To access the course materials, visit the LASER-TEC Course Materials page. Currently, on our website, visitors can openly download resources complete instructor packages for six photonics college-level courses.
|
|
Introduction to Photonics
This course covers the fundamental principles of light, the behavior of light in different environments, and light generation and manipulation. It introduces the theory and practical application of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and light absorption. Students will learn about basic optical components used in photonics labs, how to use various mounts, and the importance of properly cleaning optical components. This course also provides basic training on using a low-power laser and optical power meter, emphasizing laser safety concepts.
|
|
Geometrical and Physical Optics
This course introduces the principles of geometrical and physical optics. The first half of this course is focused on the fundamentals of geometrical optics. Students will learn how to manipulate light using mirrors and lenses. The theoretical analysis based on ray-tracing techniques and mathematical equations is introduced and followed by lab experiments. In the second half of this course, students will dig deeper into the fundamentals of physical optics, such as interference patterns through single and double slits, pinholes, and diffraction gratings. Students will also be introduced to the basics of laser construction and principles of laser operation.
|
|
Fundamentals of Fiber Optics
This course explains how optical fibers work, introduces students to typical optical components, and how those components fit into system-level applications. All critical elements of a fiber-optic link will be presented and discussed, such as transmitters, optical fiber, and receivers. Students will learn about total internal reflection, types of optical fibers used, connectors and splices, and various types of measurement. Practical skills include cleaning and visual inspection, installing the connectors, and splicing two fibers. Finally, students will learn to perform measurements using visual fault locators, an optical loss test set, and optical time domain reflectometry equipment.
|
|
Learn About Career Search Tools During the December Women in Photonics Technologies Forum |
|
Join us during our December Women in Photonics Technologies virtual forum to learn about building professional resumes for photonics technicians and tips on acing job interviews. The forum is scheduled for Friday, December 9, at noon EST. Hiring managers from a photonics company will introduce the attendees to the best practices in securing a career in optics and photonics. Pre-register here.
|
|
JENOPTIK Optical Systems Awards Two Full Annual Scholarship Programs to IRSC Photonics Students |
|
JENOPTIK announced two 2022-2023 recipients of full annual scholarship awards: Cheyenne Humphry and Maxfield Patrick. Both awardees are pursuing an associate of science degree in the Electronics Engineering Technology program at the Robotics and Photonics Institute, Indian River State College, FL, and look forward to starting a career in photonics. “JENOPTIK is a strong supporter of the Laser Photonics track of the Electronics Engineering Technology AS Degree Program at IRSC,” shares Jay Kumler, President of JENOPTIK Optical Systems, LLC. LASER-TEC and Indian River State College enjoy a longstanding partnership with JENOPTIK; the full annual scholarship program is another testament to the company’s support of the community and the development of local photonics talent. |
|
Jobs for Graduating Students |
|
Companies contacting LASER-TEC for technicians:
IDEX Health & Science
Laser Technician
Optical Assembler
Jenoptik Optical Systems
Optical Systems Engineer
Laser Systems Engineer II
Companies advertising openings on Indeed.com:
Electro-optics technicians: 407 nationwide
Companies and number of jobs:
SIG SAUER, Inc. (31), Northrop Grumman (17), US Department of Veterans Affairs (17), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (13), Coherent (13), L3Harris (11), Leidos (9), Cigna (8), KLA (7), Veterans Prime, Inc. (7), Qualus (6), Reliance Test & Technology (6), Siemens (5), Boeing (5), OPTICS 1, INC. (5)
Location and number of jobs per location:
San Diego, CA (21). Livermore, CA (11), Exeter, NH (10), Jacksonville, AR (10), Santa Clara, CA (9), Albuquerque, NM (9), Newington, NH (8), Devens, MA (7), Swanzey, NH (7), Eglin AFB, FL (6), East Hartford, CT (6), Orlando, FL (6), Bedford, NH (5), Dublin, CA (5), New York, NY (5)
Source:
NOTE: Very few companies use photonics as a job title for technicians. When searching, use the job title electro optics to get the best results.
|
|
As a resource center, LASER-TEC develops, maintains, and houses a library of resources to help educational institutions and training programs incorporate lasers, optics, photonics, and fiber optics technologies into their programs. LASER-TEC builds on and provides access to two decades of knowledge and expertise in developing the photonics technical workforce.
Our website contains textbooks, educational modules, laboratory manuals, teacher's guides, informational and outreach materials. In addition to our resources, we gather and systemize external collections that support photonics education and training. K-12 and college students, graduates, parents, educators, industry, career changers, and military can find relevant resources to help better understand the state of the workforce, get answers and find resources to achieve their goals.
LASER-TEC also offers opportunities to increase the technical knowledge and hands-on skills in these emerging technologies through professional development courses and workshops. We welcome everyone to visit our website and learn more about what LASER-TEC can offer you.
|
|
Featured College: Indian River State College - Fort Pierce, FL |
|
Offers Associate Degree and Certificate programs in laser, photonics, fiber optics and solar energy for 15+ years. More than 350 technicians have graduated and are working in the Laser/Photonics industry throughout the United States and internationally. Companies that hired graduates of these programs include: Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Gooch & Housego, Jenoptik, Laser Components, Rockwell Collins, Harris Corp., and many more.
Associate in Science degree program in Photonics and Robotics
Two-year program with strong technical core teaching hands on training skills in state-of-the-art labs stocked with the latest industrial grade equipment. Technicians receive a solid foundation in electronics, automation, robotics during the first year. In their second year they learn Photonics, Fiber Optics, Geometrical Optics, Laser Technologies, and Photovoltaic Systems. Graduates of this program work as technicians in industrial production companies, in research and development, national labs, field service, and system repair among other places.
|
|
Skills of AS degree graduates: |
|
- Troubleshoot integrated photonic systems using microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, spectrometers, or energy measurement devices.
- Tune Nd:YAG, HeNe, and CO2 lasers for maximum power and high quality beam.
- Align optical systems.
- Perform high quality fusion splicing for single and multi mode fibers.
- Use OTDR to identify problems in fiber optic links.
- Properly clean and maintain precision optics.
- Use optical source and meter to measure attenuation of optical links.
- Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
- Apply laser safety rules according to ANSI and OSHA standards.
|
|
- Compute or record photonic test data.
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
- Disassemble and reassemble robots or peripheral equipment to make repairs such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, and servomotors.
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
- Install, program, or repair programmable logic controllers (PLC), robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
- Program PLCs using ladder logic.
- Program SCADA systems and HMI interfaces.
|
|
Certificates (Short term 4, 6, or 8 month duration)
Lasers & Photonics
Solar Energy
Robotics and Simulation
Basic Electronics
Electronic Technology
|
|
Contact Information
Name: Dr. Mo Hasanovic
Telephone: (772) 462-7743
Address: 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
|
|
|
How can I recruit from this college?
Visit our college to present your company and employment opportunities to our students. We will make available, free of charge, a private auditorium to interview interested students. Please contact the person above to make arrangements for a recruiting visit. Graduation occurs every December and May.
|
|
OPCN Member Colleges
The Optics and Photonics College Network (OPCN) is an association of postsecondary photonics technician educators operated by LASER-TEC. To learn more about the OPCN and to view the list of member institutions, please visit the LASER-TEC college network page.
|
|
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who may find it's contents valuable.
Click here to view archived issues of our newsletter.
|
|
Join the Conversation
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the OPEN newsletter. Do you have information that you would like to share with our readers? We will be happy to publish it for you. Please contact us at info@laser-tec.org or call (772) 462-7295.
|
|
OPEN is published by the LASER-TEC Center for Laser and Fiber Optics Education |
|
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DUE-2000166. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
